• St David's Day Celebrations 2024

    Friday 1 March 2024

St David's Day Celebrations in Cardiff 2024

Celebrate in Cardiff this St David's Day

 

St. David's Day in Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, is a vibrant celebration that pays homage to the patron saint of Wales, St. David. Observed annually on March 1st, this cultural extravaganza brings the city to life with a kaleidoscope of activities, events, and festivities that showcase the rich heritage and traditions of Wales.

As the streets of Cardiff are adorned with daffodils and leeks, the national emblems of Wales, residents and visitors alike come together to honour their Welsh identity. The day is marked by lively parades, traditional music performances, and an array of culinary delights that highlight the flavours of Welsh cuisine. St. David's Day in Cardiff is not only a commemoration of the country's patron saint but also a joyous expression of Welsh pride and unity.

St David's Day in Cardiff 2024

When is St David's Day? Visit anywhere in Wales on 1st March, St David's Day, and you will see both adults and children wearing traditional Welsh costumes or Welsh rugby shirts, or with a bright green leek or daffodil pinned to their top. These are recognised symbols of Wales and Saint David, respectively. 

St David's Day is not a public holiday in Wales, although there are many Welsh people who are campaigning for it to be. As a result, public organisations such as schools, libraries, and government offices are all open, and shops, restaurants and attractions operate their normal hours.

Happy St David's Day in Welsh = Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus

Who was St David?

The patron Saint of Wales, St David or Dewi Sant, died on 1 March 589AD. When was St David born? In the year 500AD, he was the grandson of Ceredig ap Cunedda, King of Ceredigion, and according to legend, he was born on a Pembrokeshire clifftop in a fierce storm. 

The 6th Century Welshman, Dewi was educated in Cardiganshire and, from there, went on religious pilgrimages across Wales and England, including one at Glastonbury.  He even travelled as far as Jerusalem, where he was made archbishop. 

He eventually settled in Glyn Rhosyn, now known as St David’s, the smallest city in the UK, where he is buried. Dewi was a teetotal vegetarian, and he also ploughed the fields by hand instead of using oxen. He is also supposed to have performed miracles; when preaching to a large crowd, the people at the back said they could not hear him, and it is said that he made the ground where he stood rise to form a hill.


Taste of Wales Afternoon Tea

Te Blas Cymru Y Prynahwn 

Using local produce and flavours throughout the selection, you can dine on delicate finger sandwiches (brechdanau), homemade sweet and savoury scones (sgons) and homemade cakes (cacennau) including Welsh cakes and bara brith. The afternoon tea is served daily between 1pm-5pm on slate picnic stands. Plus, enjoy unlimited tea (te) or coffee (coffi).

£19 per person | £9.50 for under 12s

Afternoon Tea


Make a Reservation | Book a table

Lunch is served between 12pm-5pm and dinner between 5pm–9.30pm

Afternoon tea is served daily between 1pm-5pm. Pre-booking is essential. A £10 per person deposit is required, and the remaining balance 24 hours before your booking. Our Restaurant Team will contact you to arrange the payment if you book online. The booking will be cancelled if the customer is uncontactable.

Contact us today to make a reservation:
Tel: 02920 487 111‎  or  Email: thomas@futureinns.co.uk

 


Experience Welsh Culture in Cardiff

Wales, a land of myth and legend, is steeped in a rich cultural tapestry that captivates visitors from around the globe. And where better to immerse yourself in the heart of Welsh culture than its vibrant capital city, Cardiff?

Whether you're a history enthusiast or a culinary connoisseur. Experience the magic of Cardiff, where the past meets the present in a symphony of culture and tradition.

More information


What's On In Cardiff for St David's Day

St David's Day traditions and St David's Day activities

 

The National St David’s Day Parade in Cardiff

The yearly event creates a party atmosphere in the centre of Cardiff. You can expect to see the national dress, flags flying and performances from a giant dragon.    

Everyone is encouraged to take part in the celebration of Welsh heritage and culture, meeting by Cardiff City Hall from 12pm with the parade starting at 1pm. 

The procession finishes outside St David’s Hall where and a rousing mass rendition of the national anthem, Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, is sung at 2pm. 


Free entry into all CADW sites

To celebrate St David’s Day the 16 CADW sites that usually charge admission, offer free entry. It is a great opportunity to explore the rich history at the heritage sites and take in some of the legendary monuments. 

In Cardiff, you could visit Castell Coch, which is Welsh for the red castle. It is found in north Cardiff surrounded by a breath-taking forest, which has two walking routes to explore. Or in a nearby town, Caerphilly Castle, which is the second largest in the UK.

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Visit the National Museum of Wales

Adults who visited during the 80’s and 90 famously remember the giant Woolley mammoth; however, art lovers know it for having the largest collection of impressionist paintings outside of Paris, including works by Renoir and Monet. The elegant museum also has interactive natural history and geology collections, which children love too. 

The museum is situated in the heart of Cardiff City Centre and offers free entry throughout the year.

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Try a traditional Welsh meal

Try some homemade, traditional food, in Thomas Restaurant. The whole ethos is around using local and fresh produce to give you a true Taste of Wales.

You can expect a whole variety of dishes, including vegan and gluten-free.  Favourite local dishes include a Welsh Cawl a lamb stew, with Caerfai cheddar and homemade crusty Bread and Welsh Rarebit served with a rhubarb compote. It is also an opportunity to try local drinks including Brecon Gin, Penderyn Whiskey and Brains beer.

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St David’s Day Craft Market

2024 dates to be confirmed

The St David’s Day Craft Market is open from 10am-5.30pm (5pm on Sunday). You can find the wooden stalls all decorated with a Welsh theme as a colourful background on Working Street.

You can expect a fantastic selection of art, crafts, beauty products, jewellery, seasonal food and alcohol on offer. 

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St David's Day Run

The 2024 race takes place at Cardiff Castle

The St David's Day Run is your chance to be part of a race that celebrates Wales. It is usually held in the stunning grounds of Bute Park in Cardiff. Enjoy an incredible party atmosphere and pass some of the historical Cardiff landmarks. Choose from the 2km family fun run, 5km or 10km.

You can even run in fancy dress; so put on your Welsh rugby jersey, traditional dress or bring your blow-up dragon, or don your leeks and daffodils.

More information


Stay at Future Inn Cardiff

Future Inn Cardiff is an ideal base for the night, offering various-sized rooms, including ones that can sleep up to four adults or a family. In fact, under 12's stay for free. Perks include free car parking, free wifi and a complimentary robe and slippers.

Book direct for the best available rates on our website or by contacting the Reservations Team on 02920 487111 or email reservations.cardiff@futureinns.co.uk.

Rooms from £67 per night

Future Inn Rewards

For additional benefits, you can join the Future Inns hotel loyalty program. For every £1 you spend on accommodation, you earn 1 reward point. Plus, get double points when you dine in the restaurant. Points can then be used to upgrade your bedroom to a suite or a free night's stay. You also get a complimentary drink vto redeem when you dine in the restaurant (you'll also get double points, too!) and a member's discount rate. It's also completely free to join!

Welsh Restaurant

Thomas Restaurant is ideal to fuel up before or after the event. Every day the team serve breakfast, brunch, lunch, evening a-la-carte or traditional roasts on Sunday. A homemade Taste of Wales Afternoon Tea is served daily between 1pm-5pm or our set menu offers 3 courses for £25 daily between 5pm-10pm. 

A large selection of alcoholic and soft drinks is also available, including Welsh beer and spirits, wine by the glass or the bottle, plus 2 for £15 cocktails. Under 5's eat for free with an adult too!

Reservations can be made on 02920 487111 or thomas@futureinns.co.uk, or online.


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